Breaking down Miami Hurricanes taken in 2018 NFL Draft

Now that we have had a few days to digest the draft, let’s take a look at breaking down the Miami Hurricanes taken in the 2018 NFL Draft.

DE Chad Thomas was the first Hurricane taken this year. The Cleveland Browns picked Thomas with the 67th pick. Thomas is a very talented person both on and off the field. The Browns add depth to their pass rush and Thomas will likely make an impact right away. If he had a better statistical season in 2017, he would have probably been a second round pick. Off the field, Thomas is also a pro as a music producer, mostly in the hip-hop genre, where he’s produced tracks for Rick Ross.

The New York Jets took TE Chris Herndon IV in the 4th round with the 107th pick. Wow what a choice by the Jets who haven’t had a solid TE in quite some time, The only reason why Herndon dropped to the fourth round was because of a season ending injury in the last game of the regular season. He missed the Senior Bowl but was able to recover in time to show scouts his skill set. Herndon should be full speed by training camp and that’s great for the Jets. Herndon is going to help the Jets right away provided he stays healthy. It’s never a bad idea drafting a Miami Hurricane TE.

RB Mark Walton was selected in the fourth round with the 112th pick by the Cincinnati Bengals. Walton like Herndon was another player who’s stock took a hit because of injury. Walton is going to be a solid pro RB if he can remain healthy. He’s going to help the Bengals offense right away both as a spot RB and as a receiver, because he’s dual threat. Solid value pick for the Bengals.

DTRJ McIntosh got picked up by the New York Giants in the fifth round with the 139th selection. Not exactly where in the draft McIntosh wanted to go after skipping his final year of eligibility, but he does go to a team where he will compete for playing time right away. Doesn’t hurt being a rookie and playing alongside Snacks Harrison.

In the last surprising part of the draft WR Braxton Berrios was taken in the sixth round with the 210th pick by the New England Patriots. This could have been seen back when Miami beat FSU earlier in the season that he was going to be a Patriot. It was just a matter of whether he would be a free agent or be drafted. Well surprise! He’s going to New England, and oh yes he’s going to do just fine.

The final Miami player taken in the draft was DT Kendrick Norton in the seventh round by the Carolina Panthers. Norton probably should have stayed one more year to help his stock, but that doesn’t mean this was a crucial mistake. He does have the size and talent to compete with at this level. Now he’s going to have to have a very solid training camp and pre season to earn his spot. At this point the hope is the fact he just got drafted, should be motivation enough for Norton.

Born in the Nation’s Capital, Washington D.C., Ari Russell watched the rise of the 1980’s Miami Hurricanes and knew that he had to be part of the “U” someday. After graduating from Coral Gables, Ari rose through the ranks of the former XM Satellite Radio and then Sirius/XM as college football executive producer. He later spent 2 seasons as the publisher of the website “Beyond U Sports” focusing on major college football/basketball. Ari brings a great perspective on everything Miami, including the Dolphins to F.F.I.

Bucs, Dolphins and Jaguars rookies take part in “Rookie Premier”

The NFLPA hosted members of the 2018 NFL Draft class in Los Angeles over the course of the last three days, With several Bucs, Dolphins and Jaguars represented, there were also state school players there, as well.

First, the 40 rookies attended a seminar, and then all got the opportunity to see their jerseys for the first time together:

Also in attendance was former Hurricanes now Bengals running back Mark Walton putting on his #32. And former Louisville Heisman quarter back Lamar Jackson, who’s also a former high school star in Boynton Beach, decided to show some dance moves in his video shoot:

Both clubs have a mix of veteran and young safeties, but you could make the argument that James would be able to step in and make an immediate huge impact in 2018. And, that’s what Pro Football focus discussed Tuesday:

You can also see more about what PFF’s analysts think about James’ game translating to the next level and the fit with the Chargers in their video here:

In the Fins case, they went with a player from Nick Saban’s defensive back factory at Alabama. Again, he’s had 10 defensive backs drafted in the first or second round of his Bama tenure. So, you cannot say that was a bad pick, unless Fitzpatrick is terrible/lost (unlikely), and James is tremendous from year one.

In the Bucs case, they drafted a young physical safety in Justin Evans in the second round last year and eventually took another safety, Jordan Whitehead of Pitt, on day three of the draft this year.

So, both teams would tell you that they addressed the need both last year and this year.

Now, will James’ play make them both regret that they had the chance to take him?

Will Mark Walton get significant carries for the Bengals?

When the Cincinnati Bengals selected Mark Walton in the fourth round it wasn’t just for the former Miami Hurricane to not compete for playing time. You have to understand before his ankle injury which cut short his 2017 season, Walton was projected to be as high as a second round pick. Obviously the injury hurt his stock, but he still could play a significant role in his rookie season.

MARK WALTON, Miami (5-9 ½, 202, 4.59, Round 4): Third-year junior declared early even though ankle surgery ended his final season after four games. “He should have stayed in school,” one scout said. “He’s not very good. Just kind of a one-speed guy and gets tackled easily. No elusiveness.” Had a big season in 2016 (1,117). Finished with just 395 carries for 1,995 (5.1) and 26 TDs along with 56 receptions for 624.

That said another scout didn’t hold the same view of Walton at all.

“He’s got a PhD of football,” said another scout. “Poor, hungry and determined.” From Miami. “He’s explosive as heck,” a third scout said. “Just little. Big-play ability. Effective out of the backfield. He can cut and slide at full speed and can outrun the angles.”

Not sure what tape the first scout watched on Walton, it must have been right after he had his first ankle injury last season, where for a few carries he was a little slow. He did end up with over 200 yards on the ground that day. He’s an explosive player once healthy and can find seems and make the long ball runs.

The Bengals have quite a bit a depth now with Walton at running back. Joe Mixon and Giovani Bernard are already there. Plus there’s Brian Hill and Tra Carson. One thing that makes Walton valuable is his special teams abilities.

He’s capable of receiving kickoffs and punts, plus he’s excellent on coverage of both. The fact that he’s also a reliable receiver in the backfield also gives him a nice advantage as far as earning playing time. Considering his diverse value, Mark Walton will be making some kind of impact his rookie season, provided he remains healthy. Not sure what the heck that one scout was talking about.

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